Dennis Robert Seibel

A celebration of life gathering for Cortez resident Dennis Robert Seibel will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 24 at Ertel Memorial Chapel.

Dennis was born on May 26, 1947 in Bozeman, Mont. Dennis' life boasts many personal and professional accomplishments and together with his depth of intelligence, amazing sense of humor, wonderful character and loving nature; he touched so many lives. He passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at his residence at the age of 65.

Dennis was an outstanding athlete in football, skiing and track throughout high school and college. While attending Bozeman Senior High School, Dennis took sweeping honors as the Best Actor in the drama "A Man for All Seasons" and was a member of the National Honor Society. Dennis and his close friends formed a musical group called Tamarac; where they performed for Rotary, fraternal organizations and gatherings. During the New York World's Fair 1964-1965, Dennis worked in the "Montana Centennial Train Pavilion"; trains were a passion throughout his life. In 1964, Dennis was awarded the Certificate of Recognition and appointed an Honorary Member of the Centennial Train Committee of Montana. After graduation from high school, Dennis attended Montana State University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering and later he obtained two Master's Degrees, one in Chemical Engineering and History. Dennis was also the President of the Sigma Chi Fraternity at MSU and developed lifelong friendships with many of his fraternity brothers that were with him until the end of his life.

After graduation from MSU, Dennis worked for Enjay Chemical Company in New York City and Boston. As Dennis' life progressed, he really became a modern Renaissance Man. from owning and operating a restaurant in Billings, Mont., to becoming the Director for the Pioneer Museum in Bozeman, and later completely restoring the dilapidated hydro-electric plant in Georgetown, Colo. into a state of the art Energy Museum for Historic Georgetown. One of the most unique and exciting accomplishments of Dennis', was establishing the very first Rotary Club in the World; just two minutes after the dawn of the new Millenium in Clear Creek County, Colorado. Dennis was a consummate student of life; talented actor, singer/songwriter, historian, gifted author and skilled documentarian. Dennis was fondly known by all for his astounding performances as Mark Twain and Norman Rockwell; where he personifies the profound complexities of these two legendary American icons. Dennis completed his professional journey as a History Instructor, Faculty Administrator and Student Advisor at the SW Colorado Community College in Mancos, Colo. Dennis was beloved by his students, fellow faculty, citizens throughout the community and especially his loving family and friends.

Surviving Dennis are his beloved wife, Carole Seibel of Cortez; and his children, Darin Seibel and wife, Morgan of Denver, Colo., Christine Lee McCollom and husband, Jerry of Fort Collins, Colo., and Mark Roger Vernon of Daytona, Fla. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Blake Main Reimer of Boulder, Colo., and Audrey Carole Reimer of Fort Collins, Colo.; and his brother, David Seibel and wife, Bernie of Sisters, Ore. Dennis was preceded in death by his mother, Doris Seibel and his father, Robert Seibel.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dennis Seibel's name to Hospice of Montezuma, P.O. Box 740, Cortez, Colo. 81321.

Services are under the direction of Ertel Funeral Home. For further information or to send condolences, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.